London Wasps gain slim advantage over Stade Francais

London Wasps have earned a dramatic 30-29 win at home to Stade Francais in the first leg of their European Rugby Champions Cup playoff at Adams Park.

An early penalty from Andy Goode put Wasps ahead with just two minutes on the clock, but Zak Taulafo's try was converted by Julien Dupuy on 10 minutes to edge the visitors in front.

Another Goode penalty saw Wasps cut the deficit before a Tom Varndell try, converted by Goode, moved the home side into a 13-12 lead at half time.

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Goode added the extras to Ashley Johnson's score early in the second half to push Wasps further ahead, though Dupuy kept Stade Francais in contention with a penalty on 55 minutes.

Wasps then extended their advantage again on the hour as Goode kicked over following Joe Simpson's try.

The visitors made sure of a nervy finish after Jerome Fillol converted his own score on 65 minutes, and they looked to have won the match with five minutes to play when Waisea Nayacalevu went over.

However, a last-gasp penalty from Goode sealed the victory for Wasps ahead of next week's return leg.